2027: Atiku Allegedly Offers Obi VP Slot In One-Term Deal, Plots Grand Coalition To Unseat APC
In what may shape the 2027 presidential race, fresh reports indicate that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has proposed a one-term presidency deal, offering Peter Obi the Vice President position on a joint ticket. The aim is to form a powerful alliance capable of removing the ruling APC from power.
UK Meeting and Alleged Agreement
According to sources who preferred to remain unnamed, this proposal was reportedly discussed during a private meeting in the UK earlier this year. Atiku is said to have pledged to serve only one term, after which he would support Obi to take over in 2031.
Obi, who was Atiku’s running mate under the PDP in 2019, is believed to be consulting his inner circle before making any public commitment. A source claimed both sides have reached a verbal agreement and a written one is being considered.
Rising Coalition to Challenge Tinubu
In March, Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, and others proposed the idea of an opposition coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027. The proposal sparked widespread public interest, though both PDP and Labour Party (LP) are still dealing with internal divisions.
A New Platform? Focus Shifts to ADC
Due to ongoing internal issues in PDP and LP, attention is now turning to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a potential political base for the alliance. A source claimed the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was initially considered, but concerns over APC’s alleged influence pushed coalition plans toward the ADC. Meetings are said to be ongoing, with some politicians reportedly joining the ADC discreetly.
Atiku’s Camp Maintains Caution
Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, confirmed coalition talks but avoided giving specifics. He emphasised that both Atiku and Obi are working on building a strong alliance to replace the current APC-led government.
Peter Ahmeh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties and a strong Obi supporter, gave a vague response but hinted at internal sabotage within Labour Party, confirming Obi’s dedication to the opposition cause.
Mixed Signals from Obi’s Camp
Yunusa Tanko, coordinator of the Obidient Movement, denied any knowledge of a VP arrangement, indicating potential disconnection within Obi’s circle. This underscores the difficulty in uniting the various political interests under one front.
ADC’s Broader Vision for Africa
ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, confirmed ongoing discussions with stakeholders. He revealed that 21 former national chairmen of deregistered parties have joined forces under the ADC banner to build a mega-party. According to Nwosu, the party’s mission extends beyond Nigeria, aiming to provide responsible leadership across Africa.
PDP Backlash: Atiku Under Fire
Meanwhile, Atiku faces criticism from within his own party. PDP National Executive Committee member Diran Odeyemi dismissed Atiku’s ambitions, describing them as self-serving. He said, “Atiku is not Abraham Lincoln. He should step aside. His desperation is damaging the PDP.”
Arewa’s Take: Democratic Process at Work
Conversely, Anthony Sani of the Arewa Consultative Forum welcomed the Atiku-Obi talks as a healthy part of democracy. He noted that the real challenge will be countering the entrenched North-West and South-West political influence, which command the largest voting populations.
Closing Thoughts
As the 2027 elections approach, the rumoured Atiku-Obi alliance could dramatically shift Nigeria’s political direction. However, success depends on whether the coalition can overcome internal strife and unite behind a shared vision.
Will this pact bring about a new political dawn? Or will it collapse under the weight of competing ambitions and unresolved conflicts? Time will tell.
